25 Hilarious Afrikaans Idioms That Should Exist in English

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With only three tenses, Afrikaans is not only one of the easiest languages to learn, but it’s full of hilarious phrases that should exist in English. By translating Afrikaans to English, these Afrikaans idioms will definitely make you giggle.

Afrikaans is one of the official languages of South Africa and is one of the world’s youngest languages with roughly 8 million speakers. Due to its germanic origins, it’s relatively easy for English speakers to learn.

Sadly, there isn’t nearly enough learning material out there on the internet compared with other languages such as French, Italian, and Spanish. Without these resources, it makes it difficult for foreigners like me to pick up the language. In the interests of bringing more awareness to this baie lekker language, I thought I’d call upon my South African partner and friends to help me collate a list of common hilarious expressions that will spark your interest in learning Afrikaans. I’ve also create a free downloadable guide with a bunch of useful Afrikaans phrases for travellers to use.

This list is full of direct Afrikaans to English translations of everyday Afrikaans idioms. So you’ll certainly hear and use them often. Enjoy!

Let’s get started!

1. Now now

Translation: Nou nouMeaning: In a little while, in a bit

2. Hang onto a branch

Translation: Hang aan ń takMeaning: Hold on a sec(ond)

3. The jackal is marrying the wolf’s wife

Translation: Jakkals trou met wolf se vrouMeaning: Used when it’s raining and the sun shines at the same time

4. Walk in two lines

Translation: Twee rye spore loopMeaning: To be drunk

5. Like a monkey on a stick

Translation: Nes ń aap op ń stokkieMeaning: To look perplexed

6. Have a monkey up your sleeve

Translation: ń Aap in die mou hêMeaning: To hide mischievous plans

7. Be hit by a windmill

Translation: ń Klap van die windmeul weg hêMeaning: To not be in your right mind

8. All jokes on a stick

Translation: Alle grappies op ń stokkieMeaning: All joking aside

9. Talk a dog out of a bush

Translation: ń Hond uit ń bos geselsMeaning: To have a great conversation

Watch these 10 Funny Afrikaans Idioms

Plus, if you want to know how the experts learn languages, I asked 11 top polyglots to share their language learning secrets. Find out how they start learning a new language, overcome plateaus, and maintain multiple lan

Over to you!

Which one of these Afrikaans idioms is your favourite? Do you know any funny Afrikaans to English translations?Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

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Michele writes and blogs about languages and travel. What separates her from other linguistics is her ability to explain complex topics in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner. She doesn't promise the world. But always delivers step-by-step strategies you can immediately implement. Get her free guide to access 78 FREE Online Dictionaries to Learn Your Target Language.

Given that English gets some 70 some odd percent of our vocabulary from places other than its Germanic origins, I think that s as close to an original English word for the concept as we\re going to get!

ErinJuly 26, 2016 - 13:43

Die aap is uit die mou is more commonly known as “Let the cat out of the bag” or the secret is revealed

Sorry, I keep thinking of others just as funny, like this one: “Daar is ‘n paar vlermuise los in die kloktoring” Rough translation – “there are a few bats fluttering about in the bell tower” It means a person has lost his/her mind, or, said differently, the person is “batty”

Almost like yours, but we say : “Die koël is deur die kerk.” Literally – The bullet is/went through the church meaning its to late. (mostly when something bad has happened and theres no way of undoing or fixing it)

“Dt is so warm die kraaie gaap.” Literally – Its so hot the crows are yawning. Meaning its very hot (refering to weather only)

“Sy/hy is in warm water.” Literally – she/he is in hot water. Meaning the person is in trouble

“Moenie jou eier lê nie.” Literally – Dont lay your egg. Meaning dont interupt in a conversation that does not concern you or said to someone who gives uncalled for advise or an opinion in a matter that does not have anything to do with them.

“Moenie die os voor die wa inspan nie.” Literally – Dont (put? (“inspan”)) the oxen infront of the (carriage?(“wa”)) meaning dont get ahead of yourself or calmdown, dont make a bigger deal out of something than it really is ( mostly when something negative has happened or such a situation might arise)